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Posted by LFW Press Releases on March 1, 2018 | Comments Off on 38th National Print Exhibition highlights contemporary approaches to traditional medium

Press release from Artlink Fort Wayne, IND. (Thursday, March 1, 2018) — For 38 years, Artlink Contemporary Gallery has showcased the best in contemporary printmedia from around the nation. The 38th National Print Exhibition, opening Friday, March 30th, will feature contemporary explorations of the traditional and historic processes of print. Although printing for most of us is often as immediate as Ctrl+P, the tradition of hand-pulled prints continues on today. This exhibition seeks to highlight this traditional, laborious, and oftentimes tedious, art form. The exhibition was juried by Liz Maugans, printmaker and arts advocate. “I often look for a-ha moments, trickery, mastery and magic when curating work for an exhibition or collection. I want people who see the work to experience that as well,” stated Maugans, when discussing her selections for the exhibition. This exhibition is sponsored by Lincoln Financial Group, with additional support from the Designer/Craftsman Guild. Image: Collect, Nicholas H. Ruth (Rochester, NY), monoprint and colored pencil About the Juror, Liz Maugans Liz Maugans received her BFA in printmaking from Kent State University and her MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art. As an advocate for artists and the visual arts, Maugans has served as a consultant for many organizations and art business start-ups. She is the co-founder of the Collective Arts Network, a quarterly journal and arts network that works to promote Northeast Ohio artists and organizations to a greater audience through a quarterly journal and collective events. Maugans’ work is included in the Progressive Art Collection, BF Goodrich (Charlotte, N.C.) and The Riffe Center for Government and the Arts, (Columbus, OH) collections. She received an Ohio Arts Council Individual Artist Fellowship in 2000 and a 2005 Artist-in-Communities Grant. She was honored, along with her Zygote co-founder, the Martha Joseph Prize for Distinguished Service from the Cleveland Arts Prize in 2012. In 2013, she was awarded a $20,000 Creative Workforce Fellowship from Community Partnership for Arts and Culture. Maugans work can be found online at lizmaugans.com. For more information on upcoming exhibitions, artists, or for an exhibition preview, please contact Maddie Miller, Gallery Coordinator at madison@artlink.com or call (260) 424-7195. Exhibition Dates: March 30 – May 11, 2018 Opening Reception: Friday, March 30th from 5-8pm Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 12-7 pm, Sunday 12-4 pm...

Press release from Science Central FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Feb. 26, 2018) – Doctor’s Day, presented by the Fort Wayne Medical Society Alliance, is back at Science Central for a 23rd year! Doctor’s Day is Saturday, March 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission to Science Central is free from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. thanks in part to sponsorship from Lutheran Health Network, Parkview Health, and SYM Financial Advisors. This hands-on health fair gives kids a chance to explore the world of medicine and learn about health issues in a friendly environment. Visitors can talk with health professionals, watch exciting medical and wellness demonstrations, tour Parkview Samaritan and Lutheran Air medical helicopters (weather permitting), explore ambulances, and much more. Special appearances this year will include the Fort Wayne Mad Ant, Johnny from the Tin Caps, and Icy D. Eagle from the Komets! Save time at Admissions, and check in before March 3 on Science Central’s website! For more information about Doctor’s Day, visit www.sciencecentral.org, www.alliancefw.org, or call 260-424-2400. About Fort Wayne Medical Society Alliance: The FWMS Alliance, a 78-year-old charitable organization, endeavors to educate children in the science of medicine, while also providing information to help them and their families to be healthier. Working in conjunction with area health care professionals, the Alliance is proud to have developed Doctor’s Day into one of the longest- running health fairs in our area with record attendance of over 2,500 in recent years....

Posted by LFW Press Releases on February 28, 2018 | Comments Off on Science Central celebrates students at Science Fair Recognition Day

Press release from Science Central Science Central celebrates students at Science Fair Recognition Day FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Feb. 26, 2018) – Join Science Central as we honor student science projects from local schools! March 18 is Science Fair Recognition Day at Science Central. We invite students in grades K-8th who did not advance to the IPFW Regional Science Fair to recognize and commend them for their hard work. Each school can be represented by two projects. Students and no more than two chaperones get into Science Central for free on March 18 if registered by their school. As always, certified teachers also get in for free with a valid school ID. “This is an exciting opportunity for students to continue to show their wonderful research projects,” said Martin S. Fisher, Science Central’s Executive Director. “I’ve even had parents tell me they have more fun at the educational Science Central event than the competitive school event.” Admission for the general public on Science Fair Recognition Day is $9 for ages 3 and up, and free for Members. Schools must have their students’ projects registered by March 12 to get free admission. Check in on Science Fair Recognition Day is from noon to 1 p.m., and projects will be displayed until 3 p.m. Registration can be completed on Science Central’s website. For more information about, or to register for Science Fair Recognition Day, contact Elyse, School and Public Programs Manager, at efaulkner@sciencecentral.org or 260-424-2400 ext. 426....

Posted by Rachel Stephens on January 30, 2018 | Comments Off on First Fridays: Experience Networking in a New Way

First Fridays is a place where people can network, learn and grow. When Jere Johnson moved to Fort Wayne from Chicago, he was looking for an uplifting and energetic community. Brothers Jere and Jim Johnson launched First Fridays to create a space where people could come together to learn more about our region and about each other. “We want to create a meeting forum where members can grow as individuals and where they can network and really primarily focus on Northeast Indiana,” Jim said, “because that’s where we are and we think there’s a lot of great things that go on here and a lot of great things that people maybe don’t even know about.” First Fridays is hosted at Indiana Wesleyan University on, you guessed it, the first Friday of each month. Different speakers are featured at each gathering to take on a variety of leadership topics like conflict, collaboration, entrepreneurship, etc. Each session, attendees will come away will a better understanding of leadership in Northeast Indiana. How it all started: Jim told Living Fort Wayne that the idea for First Fridays was inspired by the 2017 Global Leadership Summit (GLS). GLS is a leadership conference broadcast world-wide from Willow Creek Church in Chicago, which, much like First Fridays, invites a variety of speakers to discuss what effective leadership looks like. Their first conversation about bringing a regional leadership forum to life transpired on the second day of the GLS. They sat down over some “very expensive Coliseum hamburgers” and at the end of their discussion decided the goal for this programs was to,“have a purpose to come together that’s beyond networking, but networking happens within the context.” Once the idea came to head, the brothers were eager to move their plan into actions. Jim told Living Fort Wayne he and his brother covered his office with large Post-it notes, mapping out their vision for First Fridays. Recalling wisdom he learned from another influential leader, Author Tony Robbins, Jim said, “if you’ve got a great idea when you’re working on something don’t try to make it perfect, get out there and take massive action on it and you’ll see success.” Incidentally, the brothers only planned to host First Fridays for a season and evaluate the need to continue or adjust. “We’ve already had people saying, ‘well you’re going to do this again next year aren’t you?’” Now there is no stopping this momentum, the First Fridays team already has several speakers lined up for 2019 and are continuing to build upon their vision. Why you should go: The First Fridays team has successfully created an environment where talking to people is easy. “I’ll talk to anybody about anything, I’m not shy. Both my brother and I are like that…we’re very comfortable meeting people. There’s a lot of people maybe who hold back on wanting to go to a networking event because they just don’t know what to say. I don’t know what it is about this event, but you’ll talk to people you’ll meet people.” If networking is a scary word for you like it was for me, check out Jim’s blog on how to have an anxiety free and rewarding networking experience. Take it from a 22-year-old who attended First Fridays as an intern, this is a place...

Posted by Victoria Sarjeant on January 26, 2018 | Comments Off on How to Hygge in Fort Wayne

About Hygge What is hygge? Aside from being a little difficult to pronounce (“hoo-guh”), the definition has an extremely easy to understand meaning. It encompasses the overall feeling of contentment, well-being, and being cozy. In our fast paced world, we often ignore these important feelings and practices. Lucky for us, it is very possible to hygge in Fort Wayne. How to Hygge in Fort Wayne Contentment Contentment is different for everyone. If you want to feel contentment, you should find something that you really enjoy and act on it. This could be catching a show at Embassy or checking out the latest performance from the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. Promote Your Personal Well Being It’s a new year and you have new opportunities to do something for yourself. Help your mind, body, and soul by joining a local gym or taking a yoga class. Coziness Cozy is in the eye of the beholder. It can be going to an amazing coffee shop like Fortezza, or enjoying time with your friends at a warm and friendly bar like JK O’Donnells. How to Achieve the Entire Hygge Package Winter Cozy is a hygge themed evening brought to you by Riverfront Fort Wayne. Everything about this speaks hygge. According to Megan Butler, this event will stimulate the senses. She uses Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to create a sense of wonder and connection through the taste, sight, touch, smell, and sound. The goal is to offer an amazing experience while re-defining winter. The event highlights the positives of winter (like a heated tent, cozy furniture, warm cocktails, food for purchase, live music from Ty Causey, sensory games, ice sculptures, and drink luges). The event will feature local ice sculptors and other local vendors like Mutton and Club Soda. Part of promoting your personal well-being and contentment will be highlighted through adult hands-on sensory activities. According to Megan Butler, you should think about sensory activities for autism. You can play with the activities and take them home. Riverfront Fort Wayne is committed to making people more conscious of the rivers. This event is an example of how people can live their lives around the rivers and have fun all year, even in the winter. Event Details Winter Cozy is a part of Winterval Admission is $10 at the door. Event Runs from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. This event is 21+ Sponsored by Alt 99.5, Riverfront Fort Wayne, and Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation. Winterval is a Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation event. Contact Megan Butler for additional...

Posted by Victoria Sarjeant on January 16, 2018 | Comments Off on The Harry Potter Magic Returns to Fort Wayne

The magic returns this coming weekend, courtesy of the Salvation Army. If you are a fan of Harry Potter, this is the perfect event for you to attend. Unlike last year’s Yule Ball, this year they are delving into the world of “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”, so break out your 20s clothing and your wands and get ready to party like you got accepted to Ilvermorny. Not only is the event fit for muggles and wizards alike, 100 percent of proceeds benefiting families in need through The Salvation Army. View this post on Instagram #throwback to last year’s Hogwarts event for the Salvation Army! #slytherin #safortwayne A post shared by Victoria Sarjeant (@sarjve01) on Jan 14, 2018 at 11:28am PST The event will be held at The Orchid, so the look and feeling will be a little different than last year. If you are looking for just a small dabble into the wizarding arts, you can choose the Diagon Alley Basic Entrance. which includes the following: potions a class with Professor Snape the TriWizard Tournament Challenge from Escape Fort Wayne detention with Professor Umbridge herbology class from Country Farm & Garden history of magic class care of magical creatures Borgin and Burkes Vanishing Cabinet defense of the dark arts with All Star Martial Arts charms class with Amanda Kessens from Young Living a sorting hat experience boarding room assignments from Ivy Tech Community College Dance Lessons with the Beauxbatons by Fort Wayne Dance Collective Goblet of Fire Entry character interactions a first year wizards room (children’s area) moving hall photo ops a commemorative Marauder’s map and costume/trivia contests. You can get a Platform Ticket which includes a personalized Owl Mail Acceptance Letter and themed dining experience (“Weasley Style” and “Mandrake” (Vegetarian). The last option is the 1920’s Fantastic Beasts Ball. You can experience dinner, Ilvermorny house sorting and badge ceremony, music, dancing, The Blind Pig lounge singers, character interaction (including the Second Salemers), complimentary photos, silent auction, carriage rides (weather permitting), event keepsake, and of course, specialty dessert from Kowalski’s Bakery. What you need to know Dress is strictly 1920’s formal nomaj The event will be held at The Orchid, 11508 Lincoln Hwy East New Haven, IN 46774. Tickets can be purchased here Event is sponsored by Escape Fort Wayne and The Orchid To donate to the silent auction, you can click here or drop off monetary donations to The Salvation Army at 2901 N. Clinton...

Release from The Summit There may be snow in the forecast, but one Fort Wayne neighborhood just got a little greener. An array of solar panels now graces the roofline of The Summit Athletic Center on West Rudisill Boulevard. One of the city’s largest solar installations, the 100-kilowatt unit produces enough electricity to power 10 homes. “At The Summit, we want to offer great space at a fair price to community-building organizations,” said Melissa Dessaigne, executive director, in a prepared release. “Energy and water account for more than 17 percent of our expenses, and energy prices are outpacing inflation, so this investment in renewable energy is an important step toward keeping our space affordable. We’re trying to build the best space for the best organizations in a way that is economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable.” The Summit Athletic Center is home to AWP Sports and Parkview Sports Medicine. The building’s new solar array is expected to generate approximately 132,000 kilowatt-hours of power each year. That’s enough to offset the building’s entire energy bill, depending on weather and facility use. “It’s like saving 116 acres of forest,” explained Spencer Mize, director of strategic initiatives, in a prepared release. “Each year, the renewable energy from this solar array will offset the equivalent greenhouse-gas emissions of burning 107,407 pounds of coal or 11,047 gallons of gasoline. The idea that we can save money while being good stewards of the environment is what fueled our desire to make this investment a reality.” Sustainable energy is right in line with The Summit’s focus on innovation. Five years ago, The Summit debuted a modern collaborative classroom to foster twenty-first-century learning. In 2015, campus opened CookSpring, one of the region’s first shared commercial kitchens for culinary entrepreneurs. “Now in 2017, we’re testing the idea that even urban campuses can harness energy produced by the sun,” Mize said. “If the project proves successful, there may be additional sustainable energy initiatives in The Summit’s future.” The Summit is a shared campus of socially-minded organizations and entrepreneurs working together to create thriving community. Partner organizations work to achieve social impact in the areas of education, economic development, social sustainability, health & wellness, and spiritual vitality. In addition, The Summit offers top-quality space for meetings, conferences, and retreats. To learn more, visit The Summit’s website. # #...

Posted by LFW Press Releases on December 11, 2017 | Comments Off on 2018 Special Olympics Polar Plunge Registration is Open

News release from polarplungeIN.org Special Olympics Polar Plunge Registration is Open Organization’s largest fundraiser is February 10 at Metea County Park Special Olympics Indiana and Special Olympics Allen County will host their annual Polar Plunge on February 10 from 10am-2pm at Metea County Park near Leo-Cedarville and registration is now open at polarplungeIN.org. This fun and safe event consists of individuals and companies from all over Northeast Indiana, including Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, Noble, Steuben, LaGrange, Whitley, Wells, and Adams Counties, raising funds through pledges and donations for the chance to take a “plunge” into the freezing cold water and prove they are Freezin’ for a Reason. The event helps raise funds for state and local Special Olympics programs and generates awareness of the power of Special Olympics, which allows children and adults with intellectual disabilities to live active lives through socialization, exercise, and friendly competition. Currently there are over 13,000 athletes that participate in at least one sport through Special Olympics in the state. Past Fort Wayne Plunges have had more than 100 Plungers and have raised more than $10,000. This year those numbers are both expected to increase as awareness of the event grows in local schools and businesses. The Polar Plunge is fun, safe, and simple—to be a Plunger all one has to do is register online at polarplungeIN.org, raise a minimum of $75 in pledges, and show up at Metea County Park (8401 Union Chapel Rd., northeast Fort Wayne, near Leo-Cedarville) on February 10 between 8am-10am where they’ll prepare to take a quick dip in the ice-cold lake water. Following the Plunge, participants and spectators are invited to join the free After Splash Bash in the Metea Park Nature Center to socialize and enjoy food and beverages. Special Olympics is encouraging as many businesses and schools as possible to get involved by putting together teams of Plungers or by nominating one lucky person to serve as their Plunge representative and helping them raise funds. Prizes are awarded for fundraising levels met and door prizes will be drawn at the After Splash Bash. For more information, please contact Julie Burkholder at jburkholder@soindiana.org or 260-466-1528 or online by visiting polarplungeIN.org. Special Olympics is also seeking door prize donations, in-kind sponsors, and event volunteers. Join us as we are Freezin’ for a Reason! Photos are courtesy of Natalie...

Posted by Alex Wulpi on November 10, 2017 | Comments Off on Veterans Day at HT2

A post shared by HT2 (@ht2fortwayne) on Oct 20, 2017 at 9:59am PDT What does it mean to support the troops? It’s an old, tired, overused phrase that has become more of a reaction and a political talking point than any true declaration of support. Politicians across the spectrum will constantly argue over which one of them supports the troops more. People will put a sticker on their car, have it on their license plate or a host of other meaningless gestures. None of those are worth anything if there is no action behind them. So what does action look like? What can the average person do to actually show their support for those who volunteered to defend the country they live in? Nick Ladig, owner of HT2, a cocktail bar in southwest Fort Wayne, is taking matters into his own hands this Saturday with a fundraiser for The Shepherd’s House. “Men and women who go off to serve our country are sacrificing all they have and all they know so that we can do things like open businesses, enjoy ourselves and feel safe,” Ladig said. “It’s only right that we take care of them once they come back to the civilian world.” This Saturday, when HT2 has a limited number of drink and food specials, a portion of the proceeds will go to benefit The Shepherd’s House, a transitional living facility that houses veterans with substance abuse issues. Currently going through a capital fundraising campaign, Shepherd’s House is attempting to secure enough funding to ensure operations beyond 2018. Ladig, who used to work for Hotel Tango Artisan Distillery in Indianapolis, knew that Shepherd’s House was a cause worthy of his support when he started to research local charities to support. “Hotel Tango was started by a combat wounded Marine Corps veteran,” he said, “so it made sense to support these veteran-oriented organizations. There are charities like DAV [Disabled American Veterans] or Wounded Warrior Foundation, but I wanted the money to have a much more local impact.” Here is the lineup of events and activities: Tacos Bravas will be serving up items from their menu from 12 to 4 Special cocktail concoctions will be served all day and night There will be a prize raffle and a donation collection. Shepherd’s House is requesting new socks and underwear and hygiene products for the male veterans they serve. It should be a fun and worthwhile cause. For more information about the Veterans Day Shepherd’s House Fundraiser, click here. Location: 10212 Chestnut Plaza Dr. Fort Wayne, IN 46814 Date/Time: Saturday, November 11, 2017 Noon to Midnight...

Posted by Rachelle Reinking on September 6, 2017 | Comments Off on Let Your Inner pARTY Animal Out for the Allen County SPCA

If you’re the person who makes friends with the host’s dog during social gatherings, snap on your party hats. Fort Wayne HeART of the City and the Allen County SPCA present pARTY Animal, an art social event to benefit the Allen County SPCA. pARTY Animal (you gotta love that play on words) will take place on September 22 at 4pm–10pm at 125 W. Main Street, just two doors down from Coney Island. I spoke with Executive Director of the SPCA, Jessica Henry, to find out more unique fundraiser. pARTY Animal is the first art-related event for the Allen County SPCA, and there’s plenty to look forward to at this inaugural happening. An art gallery by local artists will displayed and available for purchase; part of the proceeds from each purchase will benefit the Allen County SPCA. Live painters will create animal-themed paintings (available for auction), local musicians will be performing, and raffles will be held throughout the night. Plus, you can meet cats and dogs that are adoptable at a later date. Emcee Amber Stone of SUNNY 103.9 will host this fun night, and delicious pizza and beverages will be available for purchase by 816 Pint & Slice. For $5 donation at the door, you can help support the Allen County SPCA and their mission to find animals’ fur-ever homes. A $20 VIP package can be purchased online and includes admission for one, one drink ticket, and exclusive rooftop access throughout the evening. Availability is limited. If you’re unfamiliar with the location, that’s because it’s a privately owned building that has been completely renovated. “It’s a unique opportunity for a sneak peek inside a place that’s not open to the public,” said Jessica. The Allen County SPCA is the only nonprofit animal shelter in the area, and they’ve been working hard to save as many animals as they can. Jessica said, “In 2016, we homed over 2,700 animals. As a nonprofit, we rely on donations. Without the community, we couldn’t do it.” Thanks to the connection within the HeART of the City, this event will make even more possible for the organization. “This event is special in that it’s supporting local artists and animals. It serves a dual purpose. We are extremely grateful for all of the artists and their dedication to the event.” Let your inner party animal out and support the local art and animals on September 22nd at pARTY Animal! VIP packages are available for purchase here. Check out the Facebook event page for updates on the event as it...